Conversational mapping of web items for mediated group decisions

Abstract

A method and apparatus for conversational mapping of web items for mediated group decisions is disclosed. In one embodiment of the method, a web server delivers a web page that comprises a hyperlink and identities of one or more products that were selected at an E-commerce website by an online shopper via a web browser. In response to activation of the hyperlink by the online shopper via the web browser, product information for the one or more products is transferred in a transaction message to a decision-support system via a network. The decision-support system sends some or all of the product information to one or more user devices. The decision-support system subsequently receives review information related to the one or more products from the one or more user devices via a messaging service. The decision-support system processes the product review information to generate a result, and the decision-support system sends the result to another user device for display thereon via the messaging service.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the domestic benefit under Title 35 of the United States Code § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 655,482, entitled “Conversational Mapping of Web Items for Mediated Group Decisions,” filed Apr. 10, 2018, naming Bernhard Kruepl-Sypien as an inventor, and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety and for all purposes as if completely and fully set forth herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Electronic commerce (E-commerce) is the activity of buying or selling of products or services over the Internet. E-commerce websites enable online users (hereinafter “shoppers”) to select items for purchase through use of a web browser. Shoppers access web pages that list products of interest using browser software executing on devices such as desktop computers, laptop computers, smart phones, etc. The web pages provide product information including descriptions, specifications, images, pr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent provides a method and apparatus for transferring content from an E-commerce website to user devices through a messaging channel. This allows users to receive product information and review it through a hyperlink button embedded in the website. The decision-support system receives the hyperlink button activation and sends a redirect command to the user's device to open a messaging application. The user's device accesses its local memory and retrieves the selected shopping cart item(s) mapped to the redirect command. The user can share the shopping cart item(s) with individuals or entities for review or recommendation. The reviewers can provide their rating or ranking through a messaging service. The decision-support system processes the reviews and sends the result back to the user's device for display. The technical effect of this patent is to provide a convenient and efficient way for users to access and review product information from E-commerce websites.

Problems solved by technology

Although many product reviews and ratings are legitimate, many are not.

Further, these companies are paid to write negative reviews and low ratings for competitor products.

This violates E-commerce website terms of use.

But the companies that submit false reviews and ratings are difficult to police because the reviews and ratings are based on verified purchases.

Moreover the fraudulent reviewers will likely pop up again under new names to repeat the process.

As a result, shoppers are forced to make online purchasing decisions by themselves and based only on product information provided at E-commerce websites.

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